Special to the
Opelika Observer
THE SOUND
WALL
Rob and Jen Slocumb, the creators of the Opelika Songwriter’s Festival, purchased a historical Victorian home built in 1907 and restored and repurposed the home into a beautiful multi use recording studio with a pro tools control room and an ISO room as well as a small performance room, a chef’s kitchen and an artist residence. During the festival, there will be songwriter’s workshops. Warning – these events sold out in advance last year. Grab your tickets now.
SNEAK &
DAWDLE
Sneak and Dawdle is a comfortable speakeasy lounge in the heart of historic downtown Opelika, where one can imbibe a specialty cocktail, craft beer, or glass of wine with friends. It is hard to find the entrance (by design) and it takes a couple of minutes to adjust to the dimly lit, early 60s bar interior. Once acclimated, you will enjoy music from the festival stage set up against the back wall and enjoy alcoholic beverages of the highest order in this very classy joint.
AMPERSAND
WINE BAR
Are you a wine drinker? Do you get tired of going to fancy wine bars and finding that all they sell are grocery store wines that have been opened and reshelved for three days? Sign up now for the festival and go straight to Ampersand. It has one of the most extensive wine lists (450 bottles) in the country AND all wine is served from Coravin dispensers – which means the bottles are unopened and pristine. Owner Nelson Marsh will educate you on French and Italian wines and will be your best friend by the end of the Festival weekend.
IRISH BRED PUB
One of the highpoints of the inaugural festival last year was the Saturday brunch and music round on the second floor of the Irish Bred Pub on Railroad Avenue. The Fish & Chips and Crab Boxty are must haves with your Guinness or Bloody Mary. You will be in a groove with a packed house of familiar faces after a great night of music on Friday night and two days left to take in.
CHIRPWOOD
GALLERY
Chirpwood Gallery will host singer songwriter (and Alabama native) Abe Partridge and show his unique folk art throughout the Festival weekend. Drop by 405 10th St. (next to the Opelika Farmer’s Market) and take in Abe’s work and other Southeastern artists repped by Chirpwood – and admire their custom hand made wood frames.
Stayed tuned for more venue and artist previews. And keep in mind if you play golf or tennis, the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National is minutes away from the festival stages.